Health and WELL-being in the Built Environment

Nature Inspired Design

It's important to consider two main perspectives on this topic. Firstly, people's health is closely tied to the environment and the effects of climate change. On the other hand, where we live also has a big impact on our health. Ignoring these factors would only make things worse. Climate change has a significant impact on human health and well-being. Ecopsychology looks at how people's connection to nature affects their mental health. The negative effects of climate change are making many people feel very anxious. Effective solutions involve taking action and connecting more with nature to reduce feelings of helplessness and anxiety. A survey found that many teachers and students feel anxious about climate change. Most people are worried about plastic pollution, losing plant and animal species, and climate change. People want to learn how to live in a way that doesn't harm the environment, but they believe the government needs to make big changes.

The Impact of Pollution on Our Health

Our physical health is greatly affected by pollution. EnvironmentCanada Agency estimates that 13% of deaths in Canada are linked to some form of pollution. According to the World Health Organization, around 4.2 million people worldwide die prematurely from outdoor air pollution annually and nine out of ten people breathe highly polluted air. Moreover, recent research has discovered a link between COVID-19 deaths and air pollution.

The Influence of the Built Environment

Due to urban living, we now spend about 90% of our time indoors, whether at home, in our cars, on public transport, at work, in cafes, bars, restaurants, or gyms. Research has shown that the spaces we occupy have a significant impact on both our physical and psychological health and well-being.

Air pollution causes 7 million early deaths worldwide each year. Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air. 93% of 16-64-year-olds in Canada use smart technology. Excessive screen time can disrupt sleep, leading to health issues. Many household activities introduce harmful air pollutants like carbon monoxide, fine particulate matter, damp, mold, and VOCs. Damp and mold, often due to poor heating and ventilation, affect around 20% of buildings in some countries and can lead to health problems like asthma. A significant amount of heat is lost through roofs, windows, doors, walls, and the ground. Cold homes can cause more winter deaths and increase cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, particularly in children.In terms of energy consumption at home, if we make even relatively simple sustainable home improvements such as insulation, we can create more energy efficient, controllable homes that can help both the planet and our physical and psychological well-being. So, looking to our homes is paramount, as clearly there is room for improvement. It is here that we as individuals can make a difference, and future-proofing our homes is more important now than ever, so that we can live well whitin the spaces that we are spending much more of our time.

Biophilic design is an approach to design that incorporates elements of nature into built environments. It aims to enhance the well-being of individuals by reconnecting them with nature, especially in urban settings where people are increasingly distanced from natural environments. This design approach is relevant now because as urbanization has increased, stress rates have also risen. Research has shown that exposure to nature can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

By incorporating nature-inspired elements, such as direct contact with nature, references to nature, and mimicking natural environments, biophilic design seeks to create positive and human-centered spaces. This approach can benefit building occupants by improving their well-being, increase employee productivity for businesses, and enhance return rates for clients. It is important to explore and promote the implementation of biophilic design principles to create more accessible and sustainable spaces that prioritize human health and the natural environment.

Biophilic Design is a concept that recognizes the innate human desire for a connection with nature and explores how incorporating natural elements into our built environments can enhance our physical and mental well-being. Scientific research has extensively studied this desire and its impact on our overall health. The theories behind Biophilic Design explain how certain elements in our surroundings, such as natural light, vegetation, and water features, can elicit positive physical and psychological responses.

By incorporating these elements into our built environments, Biophilic Design aims to create spaces that promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve cognitive function. This approach recognizes the importance of our relationship with nature and offers opportunities to be creative in designing spaces that fulfill our need for a nature connection.

Implementing Biophilic Design principles can have numerous benefits, including increased productivity, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being. It is an evolving field that continues to be explored and refined through ongoing research and application.

The Future of Human Centred Design

Not every aspect of Biophilic Design has been extensively studied and supported by evidence. As an innovative and emergent approach to design, ongoing projects are actively gathering data to better understand the effects of Biophilic Design on health, well-being, and productivity. Projects aim to measure the benefits of different levels of Biophilic implementations through pre- and post-occupancy studies over a two-year period.

The research conducted in projects has the potential to contribute to the development of design standards and building codes. As governments and individuals become more aware of issues such as air quality and their impact on human health, Biophilic Design can play a significant role in reintroducing nature and its benefits into the urban environment.

The recognition of Biophilic Design's positive effects on psychological well-being has led to its inclusion in human-centered building standards like the WELL Building Standard.

The architecture and design community is increasingly adopting Biophilic Design principles, and there are exciting developments in materials and technologies that mimic nature, both real and virtual.